Standing beneath the steeple, playing in the cornfields, learning to be a pastor while trying to faithfully preach the Good News, and the church who loves me anyway.

Praying for Restoration

The prayer of my soul, for our restoration. It came out of preaching the Valley of Dry Bones on Pentecost, as I realized how much all of us ache to be brought to new life. I realized as I was preaching that Psalm 23 has a lot to say about restoration too– and maybe I even like it better when I pray it as a prayer for us, not just for me.

Even as we continue in a rhythm of prayer, living God, we remember that you are the one who sets the patterns of our days. Just when we are the weakest, you hold us with surprising strength. Just when we feel dried out, you bring to us your living water.
We pray now for the skeletons that we have become—bring us back to life, O God.
We pray for those around us that lack hope, that lack promise, that lack direction. Restore them, O God.
We pray for the ones who feel broken open, and have nothing with which to heal themselves. We pray for the addictions they face, for the bandaids they try instead of resting in you. Put them back together, O God.
We pray for the ones who don’t have enough to eat—either real food, or the spiritual sort. Feed them with the bread of Life, O God.
We pray for the ones who haven’t felt loved enough—Put your arms around them, O God.
We pray even for your church, which we tell ourselves is quite healthy, but isn’t at all what you’d have it be. Help us fling wide the doors, and take your good news to all whom we meet. Set us on fire with your spirit, to do your work, O God.
You, LORD are the shepherd, We shall not be in want.
You make us lie down in green pastures,
you lead us beside quiet waters,
you restore our souls.
YOu guide us in paths of righteousness
for your name’s sake.
Even though we walk
through the valley of dry bones,
We fear nothing, for you are with us– your rod and your staff,
they comfort us.
You prepare a table before us
in the presence of our enemies.
You anoint our heads with blessing
our cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow us
as love as we live,
and we will dwell in your house forever.